Intent Smoking Prevention programme

Intent Smoking Prevention programme 

INTENT is an evidence-based smoking prevention programme resulting from years of high quality research. It is designed to be delivered in schools, in Years 7-10, during PSHE time. There are 2 sessions per year, and they last between 45 -60 minutes. Nottingham City Public Health Team have funded the Intent programme for all Nottingham secondary schools and education settings with secondary age young people.

Each of the 8 sessions covers different information about the risks associated with smoking. From misconceptions such as smoking reduces stress, to the ingredients in a cigarette and their effect on the body. As students move through the programme, they explore their motivation to make informed choices to not smoke and learn how to deal with adversity without turning to smoking.

Young people need to build their resilience to resist temptation. In each session, students create their own Personal Plan by thinking about the times and places when they are likely to be offered a cigarette. They then identify the different reasons they might have for refusing that offer. The evidence shows that thinking about these scenarios in advance makes it easier for young people to say no.

Vaping

The Intent platform also features additional content around vaping. The lessons are aimed at Years 7 and 8 but can be repeated in Years 9 and 10.  The lessons cover the unknown risks of vaping, MODS, the environmental impact, peer influence and more.